Harnessing microalgae: Innovations for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals and climate resilience

Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms that are vital in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing climate resilience. They constitute a sustainable source of essential nutrients including high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients. Microalgae can treat domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastewater by consuming organic compounds and pollutants, leading to biomass production and safe water disposal, ultimately protecting aquatic ecosystems. They require minimal land and freshwater resources, rendering them viable alternatives to conventional crops for food security. Furthermore, microalgae significantly contribute to carbon capture and climate change mitigation by carbon dioxide absorption and conversion into biomass through photosynthesis. Microalgal biofuels offer a sustainable energy source with minimal carbon emissions, provide an alternative to fossil fuels, and facilitate a transition to a low-carbon economy. Their adaptability extends to waste management and environmental remediation, where they enhance water quality, prevent biofouling, and aid soil remediation and air purification. This review examines how interdisciplinary and collaborative research can unlock the potential of microalgae to address global challenges and advance a sustainable future, thereby contributing to the achievement of various UN-SDGs.